Mosaic Techniques & Traditions: Projects & Designs from Around the World (Hardcover)

by Sonia King (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Readers interested in learning about the history, technology, and aesthetics of mosaics will find that King's beautifully and comprehensively illustrated volume is an excellent source of both practical information and artistic inspiration. She details the evolution of mosaics from their first manifestations around 3000 B.C.E. in Mesopotamia to the present; chronicles the breathtaking mosaics of Europe, Africa, and the Americas; and surveys the many materials used in their construction, from broken tiles to gold. The basic process has remained the same over the centuries, and King offers detailed how-to instructions in the second, and largest, portion of the book, providing specific information for the budding artisan on materials and tools, techniques, and designs. Project ideas take up the final third of this fresh and useful book, with five projects of varying difficulty derived from three geographical areas. Full of photographs both of finished mosaics and the steps required for their crafting, King's book will inform, instruct, and delight craft lovers. Lauren Roberts
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description
With the breathtaking work of hundreds of artists on display throughout, this visually arresting volume showcases mosaics from all corners of the globe and teaches the skills needed to produce 15 beautiful pieces of your own. The history of the art, tools and materials, and techniques come first: bases, adhesives, and grout; shaping and placing tesserae; practical and artistic design considerations; and several methods of creating the actual mosaic. Put that information to use on an array of magnificent international projects, all beautifully illustrated and with the level of difficulty noted. Five mosaics from Europe include a lovely and easy Blue Willow Tray and French birdhouse. An American-inspired Flutterby Garden Stake made of mirror simply sparkles. Plus: Sun Disks, a Rock Garden Fountain, Island Wave Vase and more.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (October 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806975776
• ISBN-13: 978-0806975771
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #298,449 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Together at Last - Inspiration and Technical How-To, December 7, 2003

By	Catherine Bargar "garden artist" (Ithaca, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is absolutely THE book to have on mosaics, whether you are seeking historical/geographical information, artistic inspiration, or technical know-how. I own and use just about all of the mosaic books currently available, but this is the one book on the subject that I would say is essential, whether you're a beginner or an experienced mosaicist. No skimping on the beautiful and detailed pictures (over 500, all of them luscious), and the author's friendly, inclusive tone makes it clear that mosaic art can be joyfully and successfully participated in by just about anyone who wants to play.

Creating mosaic art is an interesting field - it can be both highly technical and joyfully simple. Sonia King's book is by far the best I've encountered at bridging those two ends of the continuum; she discusses the properties of materials used (necessary to know so that your stuff will stick to your other stuff and not fall apart), the wide range of materials available now that can be utilized in successful mosaicking, and step-by-step how-to, but also makes it very clear that this is a field wide open for your own experimentation and self-expression. Maximum info, minimum rules - wahoo, what more could you want?

And beautiful! Never mind whether or not you ever intend to cement a shard of glass to backing - the wonderful photos in this book make it well worth owning for anyone that appreciates art. She covers both historic and contemporary works with well-photographed pictures and in sufficient detail that the truly obsessed can examine them essentially tile by tile. Just looking through this book is inspiring, whatever your aesthetic sense or medium of expression. It will get your creative juices flowing, and once you are inspired it will lead you through the steps to create beautiful works of your own.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must Have" Mosaic Book!!, December 9, 2003

By	Mosaics By Maria (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

I have over 50 books about mosaics and this is by far my favorite. It covers many different styles and the instructions are clearly written and very easy to follow. Sonia King is known throughout the mosaic community as an expert and this book is a great showcase of her vast knowledge. A MUST HAVE for beginners and veteran mosaicists alike!

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST! BUY IT NOW!, December 9, 2003

By	"moornoee" (W. Harwich, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This amazing book has EVERYTHING. Is it a gorgeous coffee table book- or an easy to read, invaluable 'how to'? It's both- and so much more. Expert instruction- with proven tips that even the most experienced mosaicists will learn from- and will save beginners untold hours of frustration. The most extensive colllection of contemporary mosaics I've ever seen assembled in one place-- (many that I've never seen published anywhere else)- all beautifully photographed. I dare you not to be inspired! Stop reading now... and buy this book!